principle of maximum utility

This idea is the basis of utilitarianism. It says that we should act in a way that will provide us the most utility. Although this may seem evil at first, it is not a moralalgorithm. For example, a person following this precept, may avoid stealing because being put in jail does not provide for much utility. On the other hand, a person who could rob the poor through unethical buisness practices would certainly choose too, since it is unlikely that they will be stoped.